It's Called Murder, Baby!
A Scream x Stranger Things AU
Part III
Masterlist
This work will contain elements of violent themes (depictions of crime scenes, murders, etc) and smut. This is a slasher fic!
Synopsis: A string of gruesome murders takes a toll on the small town of Hawkins. Friends and family start looking like suspects making it hard to trust those who you are closest to.
Chapter Summary: Another murder leads to revisiting the past leaving Steve and Jim with more questions.
18+ Only! MDNI!
Warnings: Minimal use of Y/N. AFAB!Reader. Graphic character deaths/murders - depictions of how they were found after the murder. A little bit of angst. No smut in this chapter!
Word Count: 5K
The station had gotten the frantic call from Chase’s girlfriend, barely making out her words over the high-pitched wails and sobs. Quite a shock to the system when the man who was supposed to pick her up for a date hadn’t shown up but was instead sitting in a puddle of his own blood when she found him.
She'd gone over to check in and likely give him a piece of her mind, only to find the lifeless body sprawled out on the kitchen floor.
Steve was the first on scene meeting said girlfriend at the front stoop. She was inconsolable at that point. He sat her in the front of the cruiser doing his best to calm her down before he made his way into the house, gun drawn and ready for anything.
The site of fresh blood and viscera strewn about haphazardly was becoming second nature now with three murders in the span of 48 hours.
The place was a bloodbath, but it looked like Chase had fought. Hard. Glass wear, dishes, anything you could picture from a kitchen cupboard was on the floor. From the looks of the blood splatter, it started by the back door, into the dining room and ultimately ending in the kitchen. The door had been busted in, forced entry.
He was slashed about a dozen different ways. Mostly superficial, the exact cause of death was a stab directly through the heart. Which was confirmed by the medical examiner the next day.
Chase was one of Jason's goons in high school and a real piece of shit. It wasn't surprising someone had an ax to grind with the hothead. Even in his older age the man never outgrew that temper.
By the time he cleared the house and re-looked at the crime scene, Hopper and Callahan had arrived with the paramedics for his girlfriend.
Steve set up the boundary with the caution tape and started directing traffic when the medical examiner finally rolled in to take the body.
There wasn’t much traffic out. People were on edge, rightly so. Staying behind the safety of locked doors that now seemed it wouldn't afford them much comfort.
He looked up in time to see a familiar van pulling down the street and slowing down enough that you caught his eye through the window. Of course, you wouldn’t listen to him and get home that evening, even with everything going on.
He shook his head and quickly looked away, mentally making a note to scold you first thing in the morning.
🔪
“Goddamnit,” Hopper forced out through gritted teeth. Hunched over his desk looking at the new case file. “Has this town gone insane?”
Steve was pressed right in beside him.
They'd gotten lucky this time. The presumed perpetrator had left a partial boot print, but they were no closer in figuring anything out.
“OK, so we’ve got three murders. All with the same manner of death. And all very similar to the death of Higgins 10 years ago. What the hell are we not seeing?” The older man took another cigarette, lighting it with a sigh. He took his seat, as Steve circled the desk looking at everything laid out before them.
There was no denying the similarities. Forced entry, the same type of murder weapon. The only difference is that Higgins was put on display after being moved from his home to the football field, like some kind of trophy. They wanted him to be seen.
“Why would someone go to all this trouble to be a copycat?” Steve pondered out loud. “Hop, what if…” Trailing off because he knew this would send him over the edge.
“What if? Spit it out, Harrington.” His patience was wearing thin.
“What if the wrong man is behind bars?” He met Jim's unamused glare. They'd both been implemental in putting away Henry Creel. These were strong accusations, even for just the two of them to be talking in private.
“Kid, watch it. We can't be speculating on that right now. You and I both know how much shit this would cause if we go down that road. That's something that can't be put back in the box once it's opened.” He sighed heavily before taking another drag.
“Steve, you helped with that case. It's what drew you to law enforcement but, I can't deny the fact that it's all too similar to ignore. Do you remember anything else back then? Anyone that had a grudge against Higgins? Against any of these kids? Anything to help us out?”
March 1986
The days leading up to his murder were like any other. Kids barreling down the halls, unruly jocks picking on those that they deemed nerds or outsiders. But Ronald Higgins always has his eye out for your boyfriend, Eddie. It’s as if he always had a bone to pick with him.
After first period ended, you were at your locker waiting for Eddie. Lost in thought and busy gathering your books when you felt someone grab your hips from behind.
You jumped with a squeak and quickly spun around, dropping everything you were holding in the process.
“Shit, sorry Y/N.” Steve laughed, bending down to help pick up your belongings.
“Steve, what the hell?” you hissed. “Why would you do that?”
“Sorry, I didn’t think you’d drop your shit like that.” He chuckled, placing the rest in your waiting arms, as you both stood up. “I guess I really didn’t think that one through.”
“It’s ok Stevie.” You beamed up at him, as he gave you his own crooked grin.
He leaned against the lockers as you turned back to rummage through yours.
“You, okay?” he asked, genuinely concerned, as he watched you.
“Of course, why wouldn’t I be?” giving him your full attention, eyebrows knit with confusion.
Steve, your best friend since grade school, always worried about your wellbeing. Even while donning the crown during his “King Steve” era he always kept a close eye on you, much to Eddie’s dismay.
Your boyfriend could be very jealous, especially given your history. You and Steve were close. So close you two idiots took each other’s virginity just to see what all the hype was about, sophomore year. It was an uncomfortable first time to say the least but being friends made it easier.
You continued to see each other in secret until he started dating some cheerleader, throwing him in with the popular crowd and ultimately earning him that title but he never strayed far.
“Just making sure, if you ever need company if Ed isn’t home, you know you can come hang out with me.” He gave your shoulder a quick squeeze for reassurance.
“Well, don’t be shocked when I take you up on that offer.” You grinned at each other; his boyish smile always warmed your heart.
“Harrington,” a loud voice echoed down the hall. You both snapped your heads toward them.
“Hargrove,” he mumbled, moving to stand in front of you.
You watched Billy saunter up, coming close enough to the other boy that their noses almost touched. Hargrove, trying to be intimidating, only making an ass of himself.
“You know Harrington, you’ll never get back on top hanging around whorish trash like this.” Pointing to you over his shoulder, catching his eye just a moment before he looked back to Steve.
“Call her that again and see what happens,” Eddie's voice bellowed from behind you. Not noticing when he had walked up. Both boys seething from his lewd comment.
“The King and the Freak taking up for their slut. Go figure.” He laughed.
Steve suddenly pushed Billy, catching him off guard, as he fell to the ground.
Eddie quickly pulled you to move behind him, shielding you, in case any errant blows came his way.
Before Billy could register what happened, Principal Higgins yelled down the hall.
“Harrington, Hargrove, and of course, Mr. Munson. Why am I not surprised?” placing his hands on his hips fixing them each with a glare. “My office! NOW!”
Higgins was a short, plump man. Balding and wore thick glasses. He commanded authority around Hawkins High because outside of these walls he was nothing. An aging old coot who liked nothing better than to harass teenagers all day.
“Principal Higgins,” you spoke up. “Eddie didn't even do anything, and Steve was just protecting me. Billy started this whole thing.”
His eyes cut to you, with a sharp glare.
“Thank you, Ms. Y/L/N, but if I wanted your input, I would have asked for it. Now run along.” He motioned his hand, shooing you away.
“Boys, follow me.” He turned on his heel. Billy quickly rose and followed. Steve sent you a sly smirk and Eddie winked at you mouthing “that's my girl” before scurrying to catch up.
Finding yourself in between Eddie and Steve at lunch, they gave you the rundown. Both of them on the receiving end of after school detention the rest of the week, as did Billy.
“Well, that's total bullshit.” raising your voice.
“Sweetheart, don't worry yourself.” Eddie cooed. “I'm used to it.” Taking your hand, pulling it in and placing a soft kiss against your knuckles.
“Well, it still doesn't make it right. For either of you.” You glanced over to Steve, who was forking at his mashed potatoes.
“It's fine, Billy was out of line. We'd both take detention for you any day, right Munson?” He looked at Eddie expectantly.
“Of course,” Eddie replied, scooting close and planting a loud kiss on your cheek.
“Hey Freak!” Jason spat across from the three of you, gaining your attention. Most of the jocks didn't bother Steve, since he used to be a part of their crew.
“Heard you got Hargrove in trouble. You better hope this didn't ruin him playing on Friday.” He pointed an accusatory finger right at Eddie.
“Jason, fuck off.” You spoke up, standing across from him. “If anyone's to blame it's Billy.”
He was about to say something else but Eddie and Steve both stood on either side of you. He looked between the three of you and snapped his mouth shut.
“You really wanna go there, Carver?” Steve asked, narrowing his gaze looking down at the other boy.
Jason looked between the two taller boys before ultimately backing down.
“Whatever, not worth it.” He hissed as he walked away.
“Pussy.” You grumbled, causing both boys to chuckle as you all sat to finish your lunch.
“Let's try not to get you two suspended today.” You said, earning another laugh from both.
“Sweetheart, we can do that all on our own.” Eddie said, leaning over to kiss your cheek.
Steve and Eddie walked into the designated classroom for their detention that afternoon, expecting it to be them and Billy. Henry Creel was also in the corner, to himself like any other day.
Henry was a loner, a lost sheep as Eddie would say. Eddie tried to be friendly with most anyone, but he truly had a soft heart for the outcasts. Most people steered clear of Henry because of his nature. He was quiet, and a little unsettling.
Not much surprise to anyone, Billy skipped because he had basketball practice and of course, they let him slide.
They took their seats. Nothing of note happened until it got near the end of the hour.
Henry had been silent this entire time up until the last 5 minutes. He started muttering to himself.
Steve and Eddie looked at each other before slowly turning back to look at him. He was staring out the window, they couldn’t tell what he was saying but he kept repeating it.
“You good back there, bud?” Eddie spoke up, as Steve shot him a sideways glance before looking back to Creel.
Henry’s head snapped toward them. His eyes were dark, cold. Showing no emotion within.
He looked between them, as if he didn’t know who had spoken to him, but he started to get up from his chair.
“I have to go home; he’s going to get what’s coming to him.” He murmured, pulling his jacket tight, crossing his arms over his body as he walked out of the door. Both boys couldn’t pull their eyes away, as the teacher yelled after him to no avail. He was gone.
“What the fuck was that?” Steve finally broke the silence.
“I don’t know, but it didn’t sound like anything good.” Eddie replied.
They were dismissed soon after.
The next morning, Eddie picked you up for school, late as usual. He'd haul ass just to get the first period on time. Yours was journalism, so your teacher didn't mind you being late as long as the paper went out in time.
“Where’d you get off to last night? I came by but Wayne said you hadn’t made it home yet.” You asked, kissing his cheek as you sat down in the passenger seat of his van.
“Hmmm? I just had to do a few things for Rick.” He responded, barely looking at you.
“Eddie, you need to stop selling for him. It’s going to get you into more trouble than it’s worth.” You chided, buckling up as he headed down the road.
“Yeah, I know. Just until graduation, promise.” He grabbed your hand, bringing it to his lips.
As you pulled into the school parking lot, police cruisers were situated at the front of the building. Blue lights blazing, keeping everyone out.
“What the hell’s all this?” you asked out.
Eddie parked beside Steve’s car. He was already out leaning against it watching along with the rest of the student body and faculty.
You rolled down the window as he strolled up to talk to you both.
“What’s going on?” You asked, squinting against the sunlight in your face, trying to see anything out the windows.
“Someone killed Principal Higgins.” He said flatly.
“What? That’s awful.”
“Uh, yeah, apparently they strung him up on the goal post. A couple of guys coming in early for practice found him. Said he was uh… gutted.” He scratched at his brow.
“What the hell?” Your hand shot to your mouth in shock.
Eddie was unusually quiet, taking another smoke from his pack and throwing it back to the dash.
“Hey Ed, you remember how weird Creel was acting yesterday?” Steve asked him.
“Yeah, he got something to do with it?” Taking another draw, letting the smoke curl up and away from his face.
“I don’t know, think we should say something to the police?” He chewed his lip. Eddie didn’t take his eyes from the cruiser the entire time he’d been sitting here.
“I don’t know man. I mean, you can if you wanna. Don’t think I’ll go snitching on him for a little outburst.”
“Yeah, right. It’s just odd timing…” He trailed off, looking back over to the school as the front door swung open.
Chief Deputy Hopper walked out first, followed by the gurney with what was presumably Higgins zipped in the black body bag.
The entire lot was quiet, watching as they loaded him into the van.
As soon as they’d left the faculty made the announcement that school was canceled for the day.
One of the jocks yelled at Steve across the parking lot.
“Yo man, party at your house tonight? We should celebrate!” He laughed.
“Sure, but bring your own damn booze!” Cupping his hands around his mouth so the meathead could hear him.
“Yeah, man! Whatever you say!” Shouting back before he began shouting around the rest of the campus. “Party at Harrington’s tonight!”
“Steve, is that a good idea? I know Higgins was a straight up dick, but a party to celebrate?” You looked up at him, worry working over your features.
“It’s fine. You two are coming though, right?” Looking at you expectantly.
It was Eddie who answered for you. “Of course man, could always use the extra cash.” His hand came to rest on your thigh, squeezing gently. “Right babe? You need to blow off some steam.”
You still had trepidation in the back of your mind, but you nodded. Someone was just killed, and the student body was laughing it off.
“Cool, see ya’ then! Y/N, you gonna come help me get the house ready?” He smiled that crooked grin your way.
“Sure, Stevie. I'd love nothing more than to help you clean your house.” You fondly roll your eyes knowing you'd do it anyway.
True to your word you went over to Steve's about six, still feeling uneasy about the party but shrugged it off.
You'd done this a million times. Coming over to help him set out some snacks and load up the fridge with beers. Breaking into his dad's study for the heavy stuff became second nature. Richard Harrington always turned a blind eye to his son's activities and simply replaced the bottles the next time he came into town.
Instead of lecturing Steve, he'd tell him he needed to quit using the top shelf bottles and use the shit in the lower cabinet. Steve never listened, taking it all.
He bumped your shoulder as you poured some cheese puffs out into a bowl.
“So, you and Eddie are the real deal huh?” he asked, popping one of the puffs into his mouth.
“I'd like to think so. Why, Stevie? Jealous?” You looked up at him through your lashes.
“I mean… I do miss our little flings, but I am happy for you.” You laughed, but he added, “I mean it.”
“I know Steve.” You quickly kissed his cheek before continuing the task at hand.
The party was in full swing by 8 pm. You hadn't heard from Eddie since he dropped you off earlier but that wasn't unusual. He'd roll in with that lunchbox in tow any minute now.
Everyone was having their own conversations and speculations on who could have done it. As it turned out, no one really cared that Higgins was dead. He'd wronged just about everyone at some point.
Steve was unusually quiet. You'd been watching him from your seat on the couch while chatting with Robin the last half hour. He was currently in the corner with some blonde bimbo, thumbing at the label on his beer bottle instead of listening to her.
“Hey, Earth to Y/N!” She snapped her fingers in front of your face, gaining your attention once more.
“Yes, I'm here. What?” Swiping her hand away.
“If you're so worried about him, go talk to him.” She sighed, looking over her shoulder at Steve.
“He just seems off today.” You shrugged, pulling your own beer to your lips for a slow swig.
“He's off every day. He's a dingus.” She got up from her seat. “Want anything?”
“I'm good for now.”
She saluted you and headed toward the kitchen. Your eyes drifted back to where Steve had been. Him and the blonde are nowhere in sight.
You huffed, sitting further into the couch cushion, frowning to yourself.
You hadn't felt him sneak up behind you, until his lips ghosted the shell of your ear as he spoke, sending a shiver down your spine and a smile to your face.
“Why's my Princess pouting over here all by herself?”
You tilted your head back to look at him, as he planted a kiss to your cheek.
“Hey baby. Took you long enough.” You grinned as he walked around the couch plopping down where Robin had been.
“Rick always talks my damn head off.” He placed his arm over your shoulder, scooting in close. “But, I'll ask again, why are you pouting?”
“I don't know. Steve seems off. Just worried about him.” You shrugged and looked up at him.
“Cheer up babe. I think he's fine, he has his tongue shoved down some blonde’s throat down the hall.”
Very typical Steve. He serial dated these days, making his way through new girls eventually getting tired and coming back to complain to you and Robin again.
Eddie began his rounds soon after. He'd clear his lunchbox before the night was through, lining his pocket nicely.
It got late quickly as the night got away from you. In no mood to drink, you only nursed a couple more watching the rest of your friends get absolutely smashed.
Robin had gone home earlier because she didn't feel like getting another lecture from her parents. Eddie was out back smoking with a couple of guys.
“Don't you think we should be able to print it in the paper? It's big news!” Nancy complained from beside you. She and Jonathan finally strolled in only about an hour prior.
“I don't know Nance. It's a school paper, not the post. They try to censor everything we put out anyway.” You shrugged.
“I just feel like it's bullshit!” She huffed, leaning against the wall.
“Nance, have a little compassion. He was murdered. I know you're a hungry, go getter but it's high school. You know they…”
That's when you heard someone yelling down the hall interrupting your train of thought.
“Who's Y/N?! At least when you're trying to fuck me you could get my name right. Fuck off!” she shrieked. You both turned in time to catch that blonde wrench out of his grasp and walk out the front door.
Some people standing around caught the commotion and looked toward you. The insinuation in their glares making your cheeks heat.
He pinched the bridge of his nose before his eyes caught yours through the crowd. You could tell from your spot across the room he was drunk, with his glazed over expression.
He looked away quickly, turning to take his leave up the stairs. Conversations picked back up around you, eventually ignoring you once again.
Your face turned back to Nancy, but she had her head down as if she was experiencing secondhand embarrassment for you.
“Uh, I should go check on him.” You blurted out motioning toward the stairs as she nodded, finally meeting your gaze.
“Sure. Sure.” She waved you off but still gave you a pointed look.
You knew you shouldn't go after him. It would only fuel rumors that were surely going to start up, but your feet were already heading in his direction.
By the time you reached the landing, his door was already closed.
You didn't bother knocking, he was sitting on his bed, hands in his lap, head toward the floor.
“Steve, are you ok?”
“Fine.” He swallowed. “But I guess you heard all that, right?”
“Yeah. I did. But I'm not worried about that right now. What's going on with you, huh? Something's been eating at you all night.” You sat beside him, your skirt riding up as your bare thigh rested by his jean clad one.
“I just keep thinking about what Creel said, and then Higgins… it's… it's just…” he trailed off with a heavy sigh.
“You think he has something to do with it?”
He nodded.
“Well, Eddie can take you. You both could tell Hopper what he said. But for now, how about you get some rest, yeah? Don't worry about the party. I'll find Eddie and we'll tell everyone to get lost.”
He nodded again.
“Okay.” You moved to get up, but he grabbed your wrist pulling you back to the mattress.
“Steve, I…” suddenly cut off when he surged forward, pressing his lips to yours. It caught you off guard, but you didn't immediately pull away.
His lips were soft and warm, matching his sweet demeanor. His tongue darted out, as you pushed his chest and quickly stood up.
“Steve, you're drunk. You need to go to bed.” You kept your voice calm even though your heart was hammering in your chest.
“Sorry, I… I just…” He tried to get out an apology, but you placed your hand on his shoulder.
“It's okay. I forgive you. Just don't let Eddie see you try that.” You giggled as he winced thinking about Eddie.
“Now, let's get you in this nice, cozy bed, yeah?”
“Yeah, ok.” He kicked his sneakers from his feet. You helped him stand, letting you pull the covers back as he pulled his shirt over his head.
You heard his belt clink as he unbuttoned his pants, letting them pool at his feet, leaving him in his boxers.
“Come on, Stevie.” You patted the bed as he laid down and you covered him up.
You waited a few moments, watching his slow and steady breathing. The covers move with each expansion of his chest before reaching over and extinguishing his bedside lamp.
The light from the ensuite bathroom caught your attention because you knew the door had been closed a moment ago.
You jumped and let out a small yelp seeing Eddie standing there in the doorway.
“Don't let Eddie see you try that, huh?” He smirked releasing a small chuckle. Eddie wasn't mad, just amused at the fact you always try to deny how much Steve was still in love with you.
“Fuck Eddie. Have you been in there the whole time?” You grabbed his hand, pulling him back into the bathroom and shutting the door softly behind you as you heard Steve shuffle under the covers.
“Yup. The WHOLE time. Came in here cause I know no one dares to enter King Steve's room, so no lines.” He shrugged.
“You're taking him to the Sheriff's station tomorrow. It's going to eat him alive if you don't.” You hissed out.
“And what if I say no? Henry may not have done anything wrong. Just poor timing.” He grinned, eyes glinting with something you couldn't quite decipher.
“I don't care, Eddie. You both need to tell Hopper.” You crossed your arms over your chest, leaving no room for argument. You wouldn't take no for an answer. He hated when you got all authoritative toward him.
“Fuck, fine. Whatever.” He rolled his eyes. “Can we go before the boy toy wakes up looking for round two?”
You squeeze his cheeks between your palms, placing an over exaggerated kiss to his lips as he wraps his arms around you.
“Thanks baby.” You grinned.
“Mmhmm, anything for you princess.” Kissing the tip of your nose before the two of you exited the room.
After you two had successfully kicked everyone out you both took the spare room. It was better than sleeping in the van until morning like you usually did after a party.
You would be there to make sure Eddie took Steve to the station.
“So, you boys are telling me that Henry Creel said what now?” Hopper was sitting across from Steve and Eddie in his office, examining the two young men before him.
Steve was in a polo and light jacket. Eddie in his usual denim vest and leather. Polar opposites of each other.
“Well,” Steve began again, giving Eddie a sideways glance. “He said he's going to get what's coming to him.”
“And you heard this too, Eddie?” His narrow gaze aimed at the metal head.
“Yeah ma… I mean yes sir.” He nodded in agreement.
“And then he bolted out of there before they dismissed us.” Steve added.
“Yeah.” Eddie followed.
“Ok, and there's nothing else other than that?” He asked.
“No.” Both of the younger men said in unison.
He sighed, getting up from his chair, straightening his belt.
“Okay, thanks boys. We'll look into it.”
They left thinking that nothing would come of it.
Their tip led to Chief Deputy Hopper making the biggest arrest in Hawkins history. Two days later they questioned him and subsequently found a murder weapon stashed in an old shed behind his house.
Both Steve and Eddie's testimonies helped cement the case against him.
Ultimately, he was deemed not mentally capable to withstand trial and was sent to Pennhurst before it could begin.
Hawkins had seen its worst murder and the person behind it was caught. It was once again a sleepy little town. Until now.
Had the real killer laid dormant all these years? Why resurface now?
Looking back, Steve could tell Hopper that any number of people had a problem with Higgins and Jason's crew. Including himself and Eddie, even you.
He thought it was best to keep his mouth shut, hoping they could find a real lead soon.
“No, Hop. I can't think of anything.”
It would be two weeks before another murder took place giving everyone a small sense of false security.
Andy Crawford was next. Yet another that ran in that circle of friends with Jason. Same manner of death. Forced entry and far too much blood.
There was a definite pattern at this point. They just couldn't figure out who might be next.
With little to go on, save for that mask and half of a boot print they were at a loss and the whole town was quaking with fear.
Another late night at the post. Your eyes were going cross eyed from reading and typing all day.
You checked your watch. Almost 11 pm. You hated to call Eddie this late, knowing he most likely already nodded off on the couch.
You leaned back in your chair, stretching aching back muscles from being leaned over for so long when your phone rang, making you jump.
Your fingers hesitantly gripped the receiver, lifting it to your ear.
“Hello, Hawkins Post.” Coming out a little breathless.
“Hello?” A gruff voice came from the other end. “Who am I talking to?”
“This is Y/N. Can I… help you?” Feeling a little uneasy.
“Oh, Y/N. The same Y/N that writes those articles for Ghostface?” He asked with a slightly cheerier lilt.
“Yes, is there something I can help you with?” That feeling growing in the pit of your stomach.
“Big fan. Huge even.” The voice chuckled.
“That's nice, but it's late. Unless there's something I can do for you…”
“Sure, there's something you can do for me.” He growled. “Stay right there and play the helpless victim for me!”
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